Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Those who may be experiencing the side effect of tissue degradation
due to the latent effect of radiation therapy may be referred for a
hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) consult. However, ninety percent of
patients do not require HBOT. It is used for more advanced and
complicated wounds.

HBOT is administered in hyperbaric chambers with pressurized oxygen
up to three atmospheres, similar to the pressure experienced by a scuba
diver at 33 feet below the surface. However, the pressure felt by the
patient resembles the changes felt by passengers in an airplane rather
than the pressure felt by divers.

While inside the chamber, patients breathe pure oxygen, which
saturates the plasma in their blood. This helps the body's
oxygen-dependent, wound-healing mechanisms to function more efficiently.
When the body is exposed to pressurized oxygen over a prescribed
period, new blood vessels grow and replace damaged blood vessels. The
restored blood flow aids healing.

To find out if you would benefit from services at St. Luke's Wound and Hyperbaric Center, call 319/368-5582.